Bad joke or good joke? Comedy is very subjective, but one thing I know is that if you are ever lucky enough to visit the Edinburgh Festival, you will be spoilt for choice with comedians - one for every day of the week, one for every week of the year. I will interject this blog post with jokes from a comedian I saw last year...see if you can guess who it is by the end.
The Edinburgh Festival is one of the biggest cultural festivals in the world and I was privileged to visit last year and soak up what the festival had to offer. My son and I love stand up comedians so we focused on seeing a range of the best. We were spoilt for choice. If you would like to read about our experiences it is here.
So what would my dream Edinburgh experience look like? When I saw this competition with Premier Inn which ends today, I was keen to enter, and this is how I would spend my £500 budget in the Edinburgh Festival. I would take my husband as he has never been and show him the sights of this fantastic city.
1) Pick a great value hotel in the heart of the action
"Beware of Alphabet Grenades. If you throw them, it could spell disaster."
A Great Hotel In The Heart Of Edinburgh
Firstly I'd pick a great hotel in the heart of the action. The Premier Inn at Princes Street is perfect. Of course, everything is premier but the price - and what a view from the window! A great central location with everything on your doorstep, even fire eaters and jugglers, or fire eating jugglers on a unicycle! One thing I learnt was always expecting the unexpected at the Edinburgh Festival.
Fire Eating Unicycling Jugglers
2) See great comedy from new and established stars
“Last night me and my girlfriend watched three DVDs back to back. Luckily I was the one facing the telly. ”
A Random Laughing Man
Then I'd go to the shows, but what to see!? So much choice - OH MY!
Firstly I'd go and see Sarah Millican, she is so funny, rude but innocent at the same time, she is a true genius of comedy.
Then I'd see Paul Merton's Impro chums . I love "Have I Got News For You" and "Whose Line Is It Anyway" - he's an expert in intelligent comedy and with a range of comedians improvising you know it will be hilarious.
Of course, Edinburgh is famous for giving those new comedians their big break, so I'd also go and see an afternoon show of little known up and coming comedians, you never know when you will see the next Russell Brand, Michael Macintyre or Russell Howard, that's what makes the Edinburgh festival so exciting! Some shows are even free.
3) Eat the most amazing food and drink
"I took part in the sun tanning Olympics – I just got Bronze.”
Here's One I Made Earlier
For a special meal, it has to be Mark Greenway and they do a pre-theatre market menu perfect before you see the shows. Locally sourced food with amazing flavour and presentation is what he is known for.
For cocktails in a cool environment, it has to be Rick's Bar and with names like Fly Away On My Zephyr and Millionaire you know this is no normal cocktail bar, it's that little bit special with a fantastic vibe.
If I had any money left, for some fun and laughs I'd go and see The Faulty Towers Dining Experience. I was so disappointed when I didn't manage to see it this last year. My husband would love to see this, and you also get fed - well in some shape lol. I hope you don't get your dinner on your lap.....just don't mention the war!
4) Take a tour of this historic city
"I saw this bloke chatting up a cheetah and I thought: 'He's trying to pull a fast one."
My Son In Stocks On The Witchery Tour
Edinburgh is steeped in history and is reputed to be haunted. In the past, I have visited The Real Mary King's Close and toured the city with The Witchery Tours. My son was even put in stocks. So I'd pick a tour that would show a different side to Edinburgh, A tour of the Castle or a walking tour of this historic city perhaps.
So this would be my 48 hours in Edinburgh. To sum up - hotel £350 (normally much cheaper but this is peak season), shows from free to £10-£20 each, Pre-theatre dinner from £16.50, Tour £10-£20, Cocktails £5 to £10 each, repeat as required until you run out of money!
I would probably save some extra pennies and book the Faulty Towers Dining Experience if I could afford it, after all, it would be an experience not to miss, don't you think?
So this is how I would spend my £500 on a 48 hour Edinburgh Fringe Laughathon. Who was the comedian you may ask? Tim Vine of course! And on that note, I leave you with this classic..
"So I went down my local ice-cream shop and said: 'I want to buy an ice cream.' He said: 'Hundreds and thousands?' I said: 'We'll start with the one.'
* This blog post is my entry into the Foodies100 competition as part of Premier Inn's festival Fringe Campaign. If I win my ideal 48 hour Edinburgh Festival Fringe weekend I'd love to stay at The Premier Inn Princes Street
That looks awesome!i've always wanted to go and this sounds like a great way to do it, a very informative post! Xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Lucy it is a great city and especially fun when the festival is on
DeleteThis festival looks so much fun, you've made me want to go - I need a good laugh at the minute, Premier Inn's are always a good choice. Good luck with your entry too :)
ReplyDeleteIt is mad Corinne and brilliant fun!
DeleteSounds wonderful! Now if I didn't have kids that is the type of thing I would want to do! There is nothing more infection than laughter!
ReplyDeletesome of the comedy shows are suitable for kids too
Deletesounds like you had an amazing time!
ReplyDeleteI had a fab time last year :)
DeleteMy favourite restaurant in Edinburgh is Angel and Bagpipes.
ReplyDeleteFab post though; must visit the Fringe next year !
Yes it's a great festival
DeleteI have always wanted to go to the Edinburgh Fringe,as i'm a big fan of theatre,sounds so much fun
ReplyDelete